Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• White House issues fact sheet claiming mass deportations improve Americans' quality of life — The White House published a fact sheet asserting that mass deportations under President Trump have produced measurable improvements in housing costs, wages, employment, and crime rates. The document claims home prices declined in 14 of the top 20 metro areas with large undocumented populations, that blue-collar wages have risen at their fastest pace in decades, that native-born Americans gained 2 million jobs while foreign-born workers lost 662,000, and that murders fell by a record margin nationally with steep declines in major cities including Washington D.C., Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans.

Supporting reports

• Trump Justice Department declines civil rights investigation into Renee Good's fatal shooting — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced on 13 January that the Trump administration's Justice Department found "currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation" into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross on 7 January. The administration argued Ross acted in self-defense after Good obstructed federal law enforcement operations with her vehicle. The decision prompted criticism from Democratic officials and local authorities, who alleged a federal coverup.

Supporting reports

• ICE agents deploy flash-bang grenades and chemical gas at Minneapolis protesters — ICE agents threw flash-bang grenades at peaceful protesters and launched chemical gas into residential neighborhoods in Minneapolis. The incidents were documented by MeidasTouch and Status Coup journalists on the ground. The use of military-grade munitions against civilians in residential areas constitutes state violence.
• Federal agents deploy teargas and flash bangs against Minneapolis protesters; eight arrested — Federal immigration agents used teargas, pepper balls, and flash bangs against crowds protesting outside a federal building in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Eight people were arrested. The deployment occurred amid a massive federal immigration enforcement operation involving 800 CBP agents and 2,000 ICE officials in the Minneapolis area. Trump administration officials, including Stephen Miller, issued public threats that state and local officials who obstruct ICE operations face criminal prosecution. The operation followed the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent.
• Federal agent shoots and wounds man in Minneapolis during ICE enforcement — A federal agent shot and wounded a man in Minneapolis during ICE enforcement operations, triggering clashes between federal agents deploying tear gas and flash-bang grenades and approximately 200 protesters throwing snowballs and firecrackers. A Minneapolis police supervisor told protesters he did not know what had occurred between the agent and the victim, stating the agents were not communicating with local law enforcement. A family with six children in a van was struck by tear gas and flash-bang grenades; three children, including a six-month-old infant, were hospitalized.
• Federal ICE agents deploy crowd control weapons against protesters in Minneapolis — Federal immigration officers used smoke, pepper balls, tear gas, and other crowd control weapons against several hundred protesters who gathered at the shooting scene in north Minneapolis on Wednesday night. Police Chief Brian O'Hara characterized the protesters as "engaging in unlawful behavior" and urged them to disperse. Mayor Jacob Frey condemned ICE conduct as "disgusting and intolerable" but also urged protesters to leave, warning against "chaos." The deployment of aggressive crowd control tactics against civilians exercising protest rights occurred in the context of heightened tensions following the killing of Renee Nicole Good.
• Federal law enforcement deploys teargas against protesters in Minneapolis — Federal law enforcement officers deployed teargas against protesters gathered at the Bishop Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on January 15, 2026, to disperse crowds opposing the ICE enforcement operation. The use of chemical weapons against civilians exercising First Amendment rights occurred during the escalated immigration enforcement campaign.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration ends Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals — On January 13, the Trump administration announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals, effective March 17, 2026. TPS, a humanitarian protection for migrants unsafe in their home countries, has covered Somali nationals since 1991. Approximately 2,400 Somalis currently benefit from TPS. After expiration, this population will be subject to deportation unless they successfully pursue asylum claims on a case-by-case basis. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated the decision was made because "allowing Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interests."
• Trump said administration would suspend federal funding for sanctuary cities — While speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump said his administration would suspend all federal funding for sanctuary cities and states, beginning February 1. He also said the U.S. will "revoke the citizenship of any naturalized immigrant from Somalia or anywhere else who is convicted of defrauding our citizens."
• Trump administration terminated Temporary Protected Status for Somali immigrants — The Trump administration announced that it was terminating the Temporary Protected Status of Somali immigrants living in the U.S., claiming that conditions in the country have improved.
• State Department announced pause on immigrant visa processing from 75 countries — The Trump administration announced it would revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals living in the United States, giving hundreds of people two months to depart or face removal. This action follows Trump's November social media post calling for Somalis in Minnesota to be "sent back to where they came from" and characterizing Somali communities as gang-affiliated and a drain on state resources.
• — On Twitter, the State Department announced that the Trump administration will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, and Somalia, starting the following week, claiming immigrants from those countries "take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates." The tweet added that the suspension "will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people."

Supporting reports

• Multiple people died in ICE custody in early January 2026 — Multiple people died in ICE custody in the first days of January 2026, confirmed through ICE's own detainee death notifications. These deaths followed one of the deadliest years on record for deaths in ICE detention. Reuters reported four migrants died in ICE custody in the first ten days of 2026.
• Heber Sanchez Dominguez found dead by hanging in ICE custody — On January 14, 2026, at 2:05 a.m., Heber Sanchez Dominguez, a 34-year-old Mexican national, was found hanging by the neck in an ICE detention facility in Lovejoy, Georgia, and declared dead at a nearby hospital an hour later. Sanchez Dominguez was arrested at the U.S. border near Nogales, Arizona in December 2023 and released without bail. He was re-arrested on January 7 in Richmond County, Georgia for driving without a license and taken into ICE custody. ICE stated he showed "no signs of distress" during intake. The cause of death is under investigation, and the Mexican consulate has requested further information.
• Victor Manuel Diaz died by presumed suicide in ICE custody — On January 14, 2026, Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old Nicaraguan national, died by presumed suicide at Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas. Diaz was arrested on January 6 in Minneapolis and entered the U.S. on March 26, 2024. An immigration judge ordered his removal in absentia in August 2025, and ICE processed his final removal order on January 12—two days before his death. He was found unconscious and unresponsive in his room; the official cause remains under investigation. The death occurred at a facility that has faced multiple allegations of inhumane conditions and inadequate mental health care.
• Four deaths in ICE custody in first ten days of 2026 — Four individuals died in ICE custody during the first ten days of January 2026, continuing a pattern of high mortality in immigration detention. The deaths occurred amid accelerated ICE expansion, broader recruitment, faster onboarding, and increased financial incentives for the agency. The deaths included Renee Nicole Good, killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, and Keith Porter Jr., killed by an off-duty ICE agent on New Year's Eve.

Supporting reports

• T.J. Sabula suspended from Ford plant employment pending investigation — T.J. Sabula, a United Auto Workers Local 600 line worker at a Michigan Ford plant, was suspended from work pending an investigation after heckling President Trump during his visit to the facility. Sabula had shouted "pedophile protector" at Trump in reference to the administration's handling of Epstein files. Despite the suspension, Sabula stated he had no regrets about his actions.
• Trump gave middle finger and profanity to UAW worker who heckled him — During a visit to a Michigan Ford plant, 40-year-old T.J. Sabula, a United Auto Workers Local 600 line worker, shouted "pedophile protector" at President Trump in reference to the administration's handling of Epstein files. Trump responded by giving Sabula the middle finger and mouthing profanities. Sabula was subsequently suspended from work pending an investigation, though he stated he had no regrets.
• Auto worker confronted Trump at Ford plant; Trump responded with obscenity and middle finger gesture — During a tour of a Ford plant in Michigan, an auto worker shouted "pedophile protector!" at Trump. Trump responded visibly angry, pointing at the man while appearing to yell a curse word, then made an obscene gesture with his middle finger. The incident occurred in a public setting during an official plant visit.
• Trump curses and gives middle finger to autoworker in Detroit — During a visit to Detroit, Trump responded to an autoworker who yelled "pedophile protector" from approximately 60 feet away by cursing the worker out and giving him the middle finger. The incident occurred in a public setting and was witnessed by media present.
• Video showed Trump giving middle finger to autoworker — Video footage showed Trump giving the middle finger and appearing to mouth the words "fuck you" to an autoworker who appeared to yell "pedophile protector" at him while the president toured a Ford factory in Michigan.
• United Auto Workers union condemns Trump's conduct toward worker — The United Auto Workers union released a statement today condemning Trump's behavior toward the Detroit autoworker and announcing it will ensure the worker receives full contractual protections. The union's response signals formal institutional opposition to the president's treatment of a union member.

Supporting reports

• Trump Organization sought to hire foreign workers at below-market wages after administration lowered H-2A minimum wages — Weeks after the Trump administration lowered minimum wages for some temporary farmworkers, the Trump Organization sought approval to hire 36 foreign workers for its Virginia winery at a pay rate of $13.90 per hour—nearly $2 per hour below what it previously offered. In October 2025, Trump's Department of Labor enacted a rule changing how wages are calculated for some temporary foreign farmworkers on H-2A visas, lowering pay rates for certain jobs. Two months later, the Trump Organization filed paperwork seeking approval to hire 36 foreign workers via H-2A visas for its winery, claiming it could not find enough U.S. workers. The $13.90 hourly rate is $1.91 less than what the winery paid in 2025 and below what it has offered for similar roles since 2021. The Trump Organization has sought to bring at least 2,069 foreign workers into the U.S. since 2008.

Supporting reports

• Eric Adams removed liquidity from memecoin, allegedly scamming investors of $2.5 million — Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams removed liquidity from a newly launched memecoin called $NYC, allegedly scamming investors of over $2.5 million. Adams launched the memecoin approximately 30 minutes before removing its liquidity after promoting it on his personal social media. The scheme reportedly more than doubled his net worth in less than an hour. Adams was able to engage in this conduct because the Trump administration dropped many fraud charges against him last year for political reasons.

Supporting reports

• Minnesota Attorney General sues Trump administration over ICE surge and excessive force — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Monday alleging that the Department of Homeland Security's deployment of thousands of ICE agents violates the Administrative Procedures Act through excessive and lethal force, warrantless arrests, racist targeting, and surveillance of courts, churches, and schools. The lawsuit follows the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, which sparked nationwide protests.
• Minnesota Attorney General files federal lawsuit to halt ICE operation in Minneapolis — Minnesota's attorney general filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop an ICE operation that fanned out across the Minneapolis area, initially directed at the Somali community. The lawsuit was filed following the fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent during the operation. The legal action represents state-level challenge to federal immigration enforcement activities.
• Minnesota Attorney General files lawsuit against Trump administration over DHS enforcement actions — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced he is filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the Department of Homeland Security's use of excessive and lethal force, warrantless arrests, and targeting of courts, churches, and schools violates the Administrative Procedure Act. Ellison called for courts to end the surge of DHS agents in Minnesota.
• Minnesota attorney general sues Trump administration over ICE surge and use of force — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on January 13, 2026, alleging excessive and lethal force, warrantless arrests, and targeting of courts, churches, and schools. The suit follows an ICE agent's fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good. Ellison seeks a temporary restraining order and an end to the deployment of thousands of DHS agents in Minnesota, characterizing the surge as unconstitutional and harmful to public safety and civil liberties.
• Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul file lawsuit challenging DHS immigration enforcement surge as constitutional violation — Minnesota's attorney general, Minneapolis's mayor, and St. Paul officials filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging the Trump administration's massive immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. The suit alleges that the Department of Homeland Security is violating First Amendment and other constitutional protections by targeting a progressive, Democratic-leaning state that welcomes immigrants. The lawsuit characterizes the operation as a "federal invasion." The city of Chicago and Illinois separately filed a similar suit over the DHS's "organized bombardment."
• Illinois sued Department of Homeland Security for unlawful ICE and CBP tactics — The state of Illinois filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security alleging unlawful and dangerous tactics used by Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during "Operation Midway Blitz." Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul documented that agents acted as occupiers rather than law enforcement officers, randomly and violently questioning residents, brutally detaining citizens and non-citizens without warrants or probable cause, and using tear gas and chemical weapons against bystanders, injuring dozens including children, elderly persons, and local police officers. Governor J.B. Pritzker stated the actions undermined constitutional rights and threatened public safety.
• Minnesota and Minneapolis and St. Paul sued Trump administration over ICE operations — Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul filed lawsuits against the Trump administration challenging federal immigration enforcement operations that began on January 6. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison characterized the operation as "a federal invasion" and documented that poorly trained, aggressive, and armed federal agents conducted widespread unlawful conduct including terrorizing residents. The lawsuit challenged the legality and constitutionality of the enforcement tactics.

Supporting reports

• Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse House subpoena in Epstein investigation — Bill and Hillary Clinton announced they would not comply with subpoenas issued by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee demanding testimony about their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. Their attorneys argued the subpoenas were invalid, lacked legislative purpose, and violated separation of powers. Committee Chair James Comer stated he would move to hold Bill Clinton in contempt for failing to appear. The Clintons criticized the investigation as politically motivated and noted the committee had interviewed only two officials while declining to question seven others who had been subpoenaed.
• Rep. Comer said he would hold Clintons in contempt — Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said he would take steps to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt after the couple refused to testify as part of the House's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. In a letter, the Clintons wrote that they had decided to "fight for this country, its principles, and its people, no matter the consequences."
• House Oversight Committee moves to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress — House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer announced the panel will move to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress after she refused to comply with a subpoena to testify about Jeffrey Epstein. The Clintons jointly declined to appear for depositions, citing separation-of-powers concerns. Comer stated the committee will consider a contempt resolution the following Wednesday; the measure requires approval by the full House before referral to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution.
• Representative Comer threatens contempt of Congress against Bill Clinton — Representative James Comer (R-KY) threatened to hold former President Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusing to appear for a closed-door deposition regarding Epstein. The Clintons responded with a four-page public letter calling the subpoenas invalid and noting that Comer had subpoenaed eight people, then dismissed seven without testimony, while taking no action to force the DOJ to release Epstein files as required by law.

Supporting reports

• Minnesota Attorney General sues Trump administration over ICE surge and excessive force — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Monday alleging that the Department of Homeland Security's deployment of thousands of ICE agents violates the Administrative Procedures Act through excessive and lethal force, warrantless arrests, racist targeting, and surveillance of courts, churches, and schools. The lawsuit follows the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, which sparked nationwide protests.

Supporting reports

• DHS misrepresents assault statistics against ICE officers — When asked by the Guardian about journalist-safety letters, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed a 1,150% increase in assaults against ICE officers. The Los Angeles Times and National Public Radio independently fact-checked the claim and found the actual increase was approximately 25%, not 1,150%. McLaughlin's statement also characterized immigration protests as "violent riots" and suggested journalists covering such events assume inherent risks.
• DHS makes unsubstantiated claims of massive increases in assaults and threats against immigration officers — The Department of Homeland Security claimed in a press release that immigration enforcement agents face a "1,300% increase in assaults," a "3,200% increase in vehicular attacks," and an "8,000% increase in death threats." The agency provided no evidence to support these claims. Court records reviewed by the Los Angeles Times showed agents left most alleged attacks uninjured, and immigration officers made false and misleading statements about protesters in Los Angeles.

Supporting reports

• Trump posted false claims about Minnesota crime and federal immigration enforcement — President Trump posted on social media a fact-free statement claiming that Minnesota harbors thousands of convicted murderers, drug dealers, rapists, and dangerous foreign criminals, and attributed crime reduction to ICE enforcement. Trump blamed Minnesota Democrats for unrest caused by "anarchists and professional agitators" and claimed $19 billion was stolen by "really bad and deranged people." He concluded with a threat: "THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING!"

Supporting reports

• Trump warned of "day of reckoning and retribution" in Minnesota — On Truth Social, Trump went on an unhinged rant about Minnesota and ominously warned that the "DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING!"
• Trump posted false claims about Minnesota crime and federal immigration enforcement — President Trump posted on social media a fact-free statement claiming that Minnesota harbors thousands of convicted murderers, drug dealers, rapists, and dangerous foreign criminals, and attributed crime reduction to ICE enforcement. Trump blamed Minnesota Democrats for unrest caused by "anarchists and professional agitators" and claimed $19 billion was stolen by "really bad and deranged people." He concluded with a threat: "THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING!"

Supporting reports

• DHS deploys hundreds more federal agents to Minneapolis following Renee Good shooting — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the deployment of "hundreds more" federal agents to Minneapolis as part of what DHS described as its largest enforcement operation to date, following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen, by an ICE officer on Wednesday. The escalation occurred amid widespread protests across the US. Door-to-door raids began Sunday with heavily armed agents; some protesters were hit with chemical spray. Over 2,000 immigration arrests have been made in Minnesota since the operation began in early December.
• Federal agents deploy teargas and flash bangs against Minneapolis protesters; eight arrested — Federal immigration agents used teargas, pepper balls, and flash bangs against crowds protesting outside a federal building in Minneapolis on Tuesday. Eight people were arrested. The deployment occurred amid a massive federal immigration enforcement operation involving 800 CBP agents and 2,000 ICE officials in the Minneapolis area. Trump administration officials, including Stephen Miller, issued public threats that state and local officials who obstruct ICE operations face criminal prosecution. The operation followed the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent.

Supporting reports

• US Supreme Court hears oral arguments on state bans of trans athletes in youth sports — The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Tuesday in two cases challenging Republican-backed laws in West Virginia and Idaho that ban transgender girls from participating in girls' athletic programs. The cases involve 15-year-old Becky Pepper-Jackson (West Virginia v BPJ) and college student Lindsay Hecox (Little v Hecox). Both plaintiffs argue the bans violate the equal protection clause and Title IX. Civil rights advocates warn that if the conservative supermajority upholds the bans, the ruling could establish a precedent allowing broader anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in bathrooms, dress codes, name/pronoun use, and access to identification documents.
• US Supreme Court oral arguments on transgender athlete bans in West Virginia and Idaho — The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on January 13, 2026, in two consolidated cases challenging state laws that ban transgender girls and women from competing in female sports. Conservative justices signaled skepticism toward the plaintiffs' equal protection and Title IX arguments, while the states argued the bans protect fairness in women's sports. The Court appeared poised to uphold the bans, potentially setting a precedent that anti-trans laws are "presumptively constitutional" and affecting LGBTQ+ protections nationwide.
• US Supreme Court hears West Virginia v. BPJ case on transgender student athletes' sports participation — The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on January 14, 2026, in West Virginia v. BPJ, a case challenging state laws that prohibit transgender youth from participating in school sports aligned with their gender identity. The case centers on Becky Pepper-Jackson, a track and field athlete from West Virginia. Large competing protest groups gathered outside the Court, with trans rights advocates on one side and opponents of trans participation in sports on the other. Tensions escalated, with reports of physical confrontations and aggressive behavior between protesters.

Supporting reports

• DOJ demands sensitive voter information from 43 states — The Trump Department of Justice is conducting an unprecedented effort to collect comprehensive voter information from at least 43 states, including last four digits of social security numbers, full dates of birth, and addresses. Eight states have voluntarily complied; the DOJ has sued 23 states and D.C. for refusing to provide the data, citing state privacy laws. The DOJ has not disclosed its intended use beyond general voter roll maintenance, but is sharing information with the Department of Homeland Security's immigration database. Critics argue the effort violates the National Voter Registration Act, the Privacy Act, and state law, and may be designed to sow doubt about election integrity.
• DOJ compiles database of voter registration and ballot-casting data; sues states that object — Trump's Department of Justice is building a centralized database containing sensitive voting records on every American citizen who has registered to vote or cast a ballot. States that have objected to the data collection have been sued by the DOJ to compel compliance. The effort represents an unprecedented federal assertion of control over state-administered voter data and election administration.
• Justice Department sued Virginia over voter roll production — The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced it filed a federal lawsuit against Virginia for failing to produce voter registration lists upon request. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated this brings the total number of states sued to 24, plus the District of Columbia. The department invoked the National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and Civil Rights Act of 1960 as legal bases for demanding production and inspection of statewide voter registration lists.

Supporting reports

• Federal agents removed Renee Good's vehicle before state examination — Federal law enforcement removed Renee Good's vehicle from the crime scene before state investigators could examine it. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty revealed this removal. Good's car is a key piece of evidence because it could help definitively establish whether ICE agent Ross was struck in any way, making its removal before independent examination a critical loss of evidence integrity.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration deliberately reduced ICE and Border Patrol training to 47 days — Senator Mark Warner revealed that Trump administration deliberately slashed ICE and Border Patrol training periods from five months to 47 days, with the number 47 chosen because Trump is the 47th president. This deliberate undertraining of law enforcement personnel creates public safety risks and reflects prioritization of symbolic messaging over operational competence.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: State of Illinois v. Department of Homeland Security — The State of Illinois and City of Chicago filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Department of Homeland Security, challenging a Border Patrol deployment to Chicago beginning in September 2025 as part of "Operation Midway Blitz." The complaint alleges unlawful immigration enforcement involving warrantless arrests, chemical weapons deployment, and roving patrols, and contends the deployment violates the Tenth Amendment by interfering with state sovereign functions and the Administrative Procedure Act by exceeding statutory authority. Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief vacating the policies and enjoining further enforcement.
• Minnesota and Illinois sued Trump administration over immigration enforcement — Minnesota and Illinois filed separate lawsuits against the Trump administration arguing that the president's immigrant crackdown operations in the Minneapolis and Chicago areas violated state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment. Illinois's lawsuit urged a judge to block U.S. Customs and Border Protection from "conducting civil immigration enforcement" in the state without "express congressional authorization."
• Illinois files federal lawsuit against Trump administration over DHS enforcement tactics — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's administration filed a federal lawsuit on January 13, 2026, against the Trump administration challenging the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement operations. The suit seeks to block U.S. Customs and Border Protection from conducting civil immigration enforcement in Illinois and to curb tactics including use of teargas, trespassing on private property, and concealing license plates during operations.

Supporting reports

• Senator Mark Kelly sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for military censure in retaliation for protected speech — Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Defense Department, Navy Secretary John Phelan, and the Navy Department, alleging violations of his First Amendment rights, the Speech and Debate Clause, separation of powers, due process, federal law governing retired officer ranks (10 USC 1370), and the Administrative Procedure Act. The suit challenges Hegseth's January 5 formal censure of Kelly, which followed Kelly's November 18 participation in a video with five other Democratic veterans in Congress warning military and intelligence personnel that they have a legal duty to refuse unlawful orders. The lawsuit seeks to declare the censure and related actions unlawful and unconstitutional, vacate them, and enjoin their enforcement.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Kelly v. Hegseth (D.D.C.) 1:26-cv-00081 — Plaintiff moved for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
• Sen. Kelly sued Secretary Hegseth to block reduction of his Navy rank and retirement pay for protected speech — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) filed a lawsuit against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth seeking an injunction to prevent unilateral reduction of Kelly's Navy rank and retirement pay in retaliation for a video urging service members not to follow unlawful orders. Kelly's complaint alleges First Amendment violation, retaliation for protected legislative speech, and an unprecedented executive attack on congressional independence and military oversight authority.
• Senator Kelly sued Defense Secretary Hegseth over military retaliation — Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon to block their efforts to punish him for a video he participated in last year with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders, asking a federal judge to find the move "unlawful and unconstitutional."
• Mark Kelly sues Hegseth over military rank reduction and pension censure — Democratic Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit in Washington DC federal court challenging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's formal censure and threatened demotion/pension reduction. The censure targeted Kelly and five other military-veteran lawmakers for a November video urging service members to resist unlawful orders. Kelly argues the action violates free speech, legislative independence, and separation of powers. The lawsuit names Hegseth, the Department of Defense, the Navy, and Navy Secretary John Phelan as defendants and seeks to vacate the censure and all related actions.
• Senator Mark Kelly files lawsuit against Defense Secretary Hegseth over retaliation for protected speech — Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to reduce his rank and pension as punishment for the video urging troops to refuse illegal orders. Kelly characterized Hegseth's actions as an "unconstitutional crusade" that sends a chilling message to retired military members that speaking against the administration will result in loss of rank and pay. Kelly argued that such retaliation violates constitutional protections and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing military veterans' free speech.
• Pentagon censures Senator Mark Kelly and launches administrative proceedings — Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth formally censured Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, in January and initiated administrative proceedings that could result in rank reduction and pension cuts. Kelly participated in the same November video about military duty to illegal orders. Kelly has responded with litigation arguing the Pentagon's actions violate constitutional protections.

Supporting reports

• DOJ fired federal prosecutor who declined to prosecute Comey — MS NOW reported that the Justice Department fired a federal prosecutor who served as first assistant to the now-disqualified U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan after he declined to lead the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.
• Six DOJ Civil Rights Division leaders resigned in protest — At least six leaders of the criminal section of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division resigned in protest after the DOJ decided not to investigate the ICE officer who shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, a process that usually takes place after any fatal shooting by a law enforcement officer.
• Federal leadership responded to ICE killings with defensive messaging and threats toward critics — After Renee Good was killed by ICE, federal leadership responded with defensive messaging, threats toward critics, and rhetoric framing accountability as an attack on law enforcement. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem appeared publicly behind messaging stating "One of ours, all of yours," signaling protection from consequences rather than transparency or restraint.
• DOJ Civil Rights Division officials resigned after being ordered not to investigate ICE agent's killing of Renee Nicole Good — Four high-ranking officials in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division resigned in protest after the Trump DOJ instructed them to investigate the victim, Renee Nicole Good, rather than the ICE agent who shot and killed her. The resignations follow a February wave of departures from the DOJ's Public Integrity Section, where prosecutors refused orders to dismiss a bribery case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The departures reflect broader institutional collapse within the DOJ, with thousands of career officials resigning or fired.
• Four leaders of DOJ Civil Rights Division criminal section resigned over ICE shooting decision — At least four leaders of the criminal section of the Civil Rights Division at DOJ resigned to protest the decision by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon not to investigate the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good. The departures included the chief of the section, principal deputy chief, deputy chief, and acting deputy chief. This represents the most significant mass resignation at DOJ since February 2025, when five leaders of the Public Integrity Section resigned rather than comply with orders to dismiss the bribery case against former New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
• Department of Justice declined to investigate shooting as civil rights violation — The Department of Justice declined to investigate the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross as a civil rights attack. Instead, the DOJ classified the incident as an assault on a federal officer and initiated an investigation into Good's ties to local activists rather than examining the shooting itself. This prosecutorial decision prompted the resignation of at least six career prosecutors from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.
• DOJ declines civil-rights investigation into Minneapolis ICE shooting — The Trump administration's Department of Justice leadership declined to open a civil-rights investigation into a Minneapolis ICE shooting incident, stating there was "no basis" for review while the FBI continues its investigation. In response, four senior supervisors in DOJ's Civil Rights Division resigned in protest, citing their exclusion from the case and objecting to the refusal to initiate civil-rights oversight. The resignations signal internal resistance to narrowing accountability mechanisms.
• Federal prosecutors resign from DOJ civil rights division over blocked investigation into ICE shooting — Six lawyers from the US attorney's office in Minnesota and four leaders of the DOJ civil rights division resigned in protest after the department, under assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon, declined to investigate the January 7 fatal shooting of unarmed civilian Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated there was "no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation" without elaboration. The resignations reflect broader purging of the civil rights division, which has lost roughly 70% of its staff since Trump's second term began.
• Federal prosecutors resign in protest over DOJ decision not to investigate killing of Renee Nicole Good — Several federal prosecutors resigned in protest after the Department of Justice declined to conduct a civil rights investigation into the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent. The killing sparked widespread protests and prompted state and local legal challenges to the federal immigration enforcement operation. The Trump administration has defended the agent's actions as self-defense, a characterization disputed by local officials and video evidence.
• Four senior DOJ Civil Rights Division supervisors resign over case exclusion — Four senior supervisors in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division resigned after being told they would be sidelined from the Minnesota ICE shooting investigation. The resignations were framed as protest against both their exclusion from the case and the broader refusal to open civil-rights oversight into the use-of-force incident. The departures represent internal institutional resistance to the narrowing of accountability mechanisms.
• Six career prosecutors resigned from DOJ Civil Rights Division — At least six career prosecutors from the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division resigned in protest over the DOJ's decision not to investigate the fatal shooting of Renee Good as a civil rights violation and instead to investigate Good's ties to local activists.
• DOJ declines to open civil-rights investigation into Minneapolis ICE shooting — The Department of Justice announced it found "no basis" to open a civil-rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The decision was made by DOJ leadership and signaled that civil-rights review would be granted only at the administration's discretion. The refusal to investigate followed the fatal incident and preceded the resignation of four senior DOJ Civil Rights Division supervisors.
• DOJ Civil Rights Division head Harmeet Dhillon declines to open investigation into ICE agent's fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good — Harmeet Dhillon, head of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, instructed federal prosecutors in the division's criminal section that she would not open an investigation into whether the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis violated federal law. The Civil Rights Division's criminal section normally handles investigations into law enforcement misconduct, but no probe was announced publicly or pursued internally.
• DOJ senior officials pressure federal prosecutors to investigate Renee Nicole Good's widow for criminality; six prosecutors resign — Senior DOJ officials pressed federal prosecutors to investigate Becca Good, widow of Renee Nicole Good, for possible criminality before the shooting. Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota and Washington, D.C.—including some who worked on fraud-related investigations—resigned in response to the pressure to pursue Good's family rather than investigate the ICE agent's conduct. The prosecutors' resignations were prompted by the DOJ's attempt to weaponize the fatal shooting and redirect the FBI's probe toward Good's family and their connections to local activist groups.
• DOJ civil rights division and federal prosecutors resign over handling of ICE shooting — At least four senior leaders of the DOJ Civil Rights Division and six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned in response to how the Trump administration handled the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. The resignations signal institutional breakdown and loss of confidence in federal accountability mechanisms.

Supporting reports

• Senate Democrats advance resolution halting Venezuela military action without congressional authorization — Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer announced that the chamber voted to advance a resolution halting further attacks on Venezuela without congressional permission. The move reflects Democratic messaging that Republicans under Trump prioritize military adventurism overseas while Democrats focus on affordability and domestic costs. The resolution represents a legislative effort to reassert congressional oversight over executive military decisions.
• Republican-controlled Senate voted against war powers resolution on Venezuela — The Republican-controlled Senate voted against a war powers resolution designed to limit Trump's ability to conduct further strikes on Venezuela after two Republican senators who joined with Democrats the previous week to advance the resolution flipped under pressure from Trump.
• US Senate defeats war powers resolution limiting Trump military action in Venezuela — The US Senate voted 50-50 on a war powers resolution that would have required President Trump to seek congressional authorization before taking further military action against Venezuela. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to kill the resolution. Republican senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young, who had initially supported the measure, flipped their votes after receiving assurances from the Trump administration that no US troops remained in Venezuela and that Trump would seek congressional approval for any major military operations.

Supporting reports

• DOJ opens criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell — The Trump administration's Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, rooted in his June 2025 Senate testimony about the Fed's headquarters renovation costs. Powell confirmed the subpoena on Sunday and characterized the investigation as part of a pressure campaign linked to the administration's frustration with the Fed's interest rate policy. Several Republican lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis, publicly opposed the investigation as an attack on Fed independence.
• DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve in Investigation — The Department of Justice has issued a subpoena to the Federal Reserve as part of an investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. This investigation is reportedly linked to Powell's testimony before the Senate regarding the costs of the Fed's headquarters renovation. The DOJ's actions have sparked criticism from several Republican lawmakers, who view the investigation as an attempt to undermine the Federal Reserve's independence. Powell has confirmed the subpoena and described the investigation as part of a broader pressure campaign by the Trump administration.
• US Attorney's office in DC opened criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — The US Attorney's office for the District of Columbia opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding the central bank's renovation of its Washington headquarters and whether Powell made false statements to Congress about the project's scope. The inquiry, approved in November by Jeanine Pirro (a Trump ally appointed to run the office), includes analysis of Powell's public statements and examination of spending records. Powell acknowledged receipt of grand jury subpoenas.
• DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."

Supporting reports

• Senator Slotkin said she is under federal investigation — Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said in an interview that federal prosecutors are investigating her for participating in a video with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
• DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."
• Federal investigation opened against Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin for video urging troops to refuse illegal orders — Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin announced she is under federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for her participation in a video released in 2025 in which she and five other Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds urged U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders. The video's message aligns with established military law and constitutional principle. President Trump called the video "seditious behavior by traitors" punishable by death; the White House later clarified he did not seek execution but wanted them "held accountable." Slotkin characterized the investigation as weaponization of federal government to intimidate political opponents.
• Senator Elissa Slotkin faces federal criminal investigation for oath video — Senator Elissa Slotkin is now under federal criminal investigation for appearing in a video urging service members to remember their oath and refuse illegal orders. The investigation represents potential criminalization of speech encouraging military personnel to uphold constitutional obligations and refuse unlawful commands.
• Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are under investigation — Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are being investigated by the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia over their participation in a viral video calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
• Trump DOJ investigates Democratic lawmakers over military video on illegal orders — Three House Democrats—Jason Crow (Colorado), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania)—confirmed that the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, requested interviews regarding their participation in a November video instructing troops they need not comply with illegal orders. The investigation expands to five lawmakers total; the Pentagon also formally censured Senator Mark Kelly and launched administrative proceedings. Trump called the video "seditious" and threatened capital punishment, later walking back but maintaining the lawmakers face "serious jeopardy."